We believe that painting should be an exciting and fun experience, from planning to product purchasing, to application and enjoyment of the finished results.

National Lumber and Babel’s are proud to invite customers to their newly renovated Benjamin Moore stores. From new fixtures to paint, colorways and lighting — the new showroom layout is like a custom design center, rather than a traditional, warehouse-style paint store.

Mike McDole, Senior Vice President of Sales at National Lumber, speaking to a guest at the EM NARI Networking Event

On April 16, 2014, Kitchen Views at National Lumber and Allstate Glass hosted an EM NARI Networking Event at the Kitchen Views showroom in Mansfield, MA. Please check out Brandy Souza’s Kitchen Views blog posting for more information. There are lots of event photos available on our Facebook and Google+ sites.

As a contractor, finding experienced, qualified workers today is still a challenge due to the economic downturn. We’ve written about it, as have other industry news resources. Yet the question remains, how can contractors keep up with a rising workload while utilizing a smaller crew to complete a project at or above expectations, in a timely manner?

In a previous blog post, we wrote about the use of engineered wood products and how they save time, money and waste on a project. Today’s savings tip is about the use of Factory Finished siding and trim. Russin Factory Finishing has teamed up with Benjamin Moore to offer products that will save time at the jobsite because they will arrive finished and ready to install.

Each substrate undergoes a precise process to apply the coating, then inspection for quality control to ensure top quality products

The application of coatings on every substrate is followed through with careful precision and inspection to ensure the highest quality and protection on every side of each piece. Benjamin Moore paints and stains are renowned for their superior quality and lasting duration.

By choosing to use Factory Finished products on siding and trim, this will give you the ability to offer your clients a product that will not only look great, but will be better protected and last longer than if you were to install these items unfinished, then stain and seal them after installation.

If you don’t usually offer painting services, this will be a new service you can offer, with no additional labor costs.

Our friends at VERSATEX have developed the first complete cellular PVC soffit system, including notched fascia and frieze boards. It is both low-maintenance and has great architectural appeal. The VERSATEX Trimboard Soffit System is available in 12-in and 16-in widths and lengths of 18-ft to reduce joints. Specifically designed to minimize insect infiltration, the vented soffit has a series of 1/8-in wide grooves. This new soffit system system has is one of the more effective air-flow systems available, with a venting pattern that features 10 sq. in. of free air space per lineal ft. This product should prove to be one that architects will specify on future projects.

Entry doors are always a major part of curb appeal, and Therma-Tru has consistently been working on new ways to give homeowners, builders, and remodelers alike a better looking door while also taking into consideration quality and energy efficiency. Therma-Tru’s new Craftsman Sidelites offer yet another attractive option to dress up your entry door. Available in their Classic-Craft American Style and Canvas door collections, Therma-Tru Craftsman Sidelites come with nine glass options, including low-E, privacy, and decorative options. These sidelites are Energy Star rated, so not only do they complement Craftsman style entryways (hence their name) but also help save you energy, and money, in the long run.

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At JLC Live 2012, United Window & Door debuted their new Revolution Tilt and Turn Windows. You can tilt, swing, and lock with just one hand! With the recent European hardware improvements incorporated into its design, the Revolution Tilt and Turn window is an incredibly secure and structurally sound window.

The top of the sash tilts in for secure, indirect ventilation. Thanks to the integral screen feature, you don’t have to worry about rain, wind gusts, or unwanted insects. Revolution is the first tilt and turn window system with an insect screen system incorporated directly into its design. The entire sash opens inward for a classic European look and feel. With full access to both sides of the glass, cleaning is a breeze, and offers easy egress in emergencies. Plus, the sash locks with a single movement of the handle.

Currently, the Revolution window will be made available with seven exterior cladding options, and fourteen interior cladding options, with more to come. They are also made to order, custom-sized to fit whatever project you may need them for. United Window also offers a wide range of vinyl replacement windows and patio doors. For more information about United Window & Door products, visit the United Window brochure on eShowroom.

Known for their Cedar Breather roofing underlayment and their Home Slicker series of siding protection, Benjamin Obdyke has this year introduced the HydroGap Drainable Housewrap. This new housewrap combines a water-resistant barrier and drainage system into one application. Unlike typical housewraps, made of either woven or non-woven materials comprising one or two layers, the new HydroGap is comprised of a tri-laminate substrate with the moisture barrier protected between two non-woven layers. Benjamin Obdyke’s patent-pending spacer design on the HydroGap surface creates a 1mm gap between the structure’s sheathing and cladding materials, which helps to promote drainage.

HydroGap and other Benjamin Obdyke products are currently special order products through National Lumber. If you are interested in the HydroGap housewrap or Benjamin Obdyke’s underlayments and sheathings, please contact your nearest National Lumber location.